Coperta
5-Course Homage to Southern Italy Tasting Event
Opened way back in 2018, this superb and deeply authentic Uptown eatery has been gathering accolades all along, from Thrillist’s “Absolute Best Italian in Denver” (2021) to Eater’s “Best Italian in Denver” (2022) to 5280’s “Best Italian in Denver” (2023). Moreover, Chef/Owner Paul C. Reilly (whose previous restaurant was the esteemed Beast + Bottle) is a 2025 James Beard “Best Chef: Mountain” Award Semi-Finalist. Coperta, which is Italian for “blanket,” signifying the warmth of this establishment, celebrates Roman trattoria fare and “Cucina del Mezzogiorno,” the food and wine of Southern Italy. Here, diners find classic dishes like calamari fritti, cacio e pepe, and pollo alla diavola, but also exciting seasonal creations like prosciutto-wrapped octopus dotted with cannellini and diced fennel in a pool of Sherry-sage vinaigrette. Luscious desserts too, like olive oil brownie with chocolate sauce, orange marmellata, and pistachio and vanilla budino. “Don’t come without an appetite—that’s what the Italians would call un’occasione persa (a missed opportunity),” says Condé Nast Traveler. Okay, we hear you, and appetite we will bring. Bring yours as well and join us at this event with Chef Reilly as well as Exec Chef Kenneth Minton III!
About the Hosts:
Paul Reilly
Chef/Co-Owner
Chef Paul C Reilly grew up in New York’s Hudson Valley and has worked in kitchens since he was fourteen. The Executive Chef and proprietor of three concepts in Denver, Colorado, including beast + bottle, he is a James Beard Foundation Scholarship Winner and an alumnus of the James Beard Boot Camp for Policy and Change.
Kenneth Minton III
Executive Chef
Chef Kenneth Minton III graduated from the Johnson and Wales Culinary Program in Denver. After an internship at Twelve with James Beard Best Chef Nominee Jeff Osaka, he acquired a love for working with local farmers and ranchers. He previously cooked at Rioja, under James Beard Award-Winning Chef Jennifer Jasinski, as well as Beast + Bottle.
The Lineup
All courses will be individually plated. This menu will be Shellfish Free. For the list of restrictions Chef is accommodating, scroll to the bottom of this page.
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Hamachi Crudo
green tomato salsa verde, almond, buttermilk, basil
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Gnocchi in Spring Vegetable Sauce
asparagus, snow oyster mushroom, pecorino fiore
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Cavatelli Ragù
colorado beef and lamb sauce, tomato, wine, parmigiano reggiano
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Braised Pork Shoulder
royal corona beans, baby kale, prosciutto vinaigrette
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Vanilla Budino
crushed almond amaretti, butterscotch, sea salt
Coperta
400 E 20th Ave
Denver, CO 80205
Event FAQs
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to support@tastingcollective.com.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- Due to the large-format nature of our events, restaurants are not able to accommodate all dietary restrictions/food allergies or make any menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). This restaurant will be offering substitutions exclusively for the following restrictions/allergies: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Dairy, Fish, Mushroom, Nut. They are NOT accommodating restrictions related to the following ingredients: Alliums, Gluten. If you have any of these restrictions/allergies, please make sure to note this in your profile (in the “Event Preferences” section) either before or right after purchasing your tickets so Chef can prepare accordingly.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email support@tastingcollective.com with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
